Sports
Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel dies after on-field collision
Spanish second-division club CD Tenerife confirmed Tuesday that striker Jesus de Miguel has died at the age of 30, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a league match against FC Andorra.
De Miguel collapsed after being struck in the chest by Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during the closing stages of Monday’s match at Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The game was abandoned with the score tied 2-2.
The incident occurred seven minutes into stoppage time when Owono rushed out of his penalty area to intercept a long ball near the halfway line. As the two players challenged for possession, the goalkeeper’s raised knee struck De Miguel in the chest, sending the Tenerife forward crashing to the ground.
De Miguel remained motionless as players from both teams immediately called for medical assistance. Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch and treated the striker for more than five minutes before he was carried off and transported to Hospital Universitario Nuestra Senora de Candelaria by ambulance.
He suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest during the journey and was resuscitated by emergency personnel before being admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Although the club initially reported that he was in a stable condition despite the seriousness of his injuries, his condition deteriorated overnight. Tenerife subsequently confirmed his death at 8 a.m. local time Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said in a statement.
“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.”
The club extended its condolences to De Miguel’s family, friends, teammates and supporters, adding that his family had expressed gratitude for the messages of support while requesting privacy and respect during their time of grief.
Monday’s match was halted following the incident, with Owono shown a straight red card for the challenge. Players from both sides were visibly distressed, while several of De Miguel’s Tenerife teammates broke down in tears as medical staff worked to save him.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had earlier expressed its support for the striker and the Tenerife family, joining several Spanish clubs in sending messages of encouragement as news of his hospitalization emerged.
The tragedy has since prompted an outpouring of condolences across Spanish football, with attention turning to De Miguel’s family and the teammates who witnessed the incident.
A career built through Spanish football’s lower divisions
Born in Madrid on Sept. 21, 1996, De Miguel developed his career through Spain’s lower divisions before establishing himself as a prolific forward and earning a place in professional football.
He began his senior career with Leganes B in 2015 and subsequently represented several clubs, including Internacional de Madrid, Fuenlabrada, Union Adarve, Navalcarnero and Unionistas de Salamanca.
His breakthrough came after joining CD Castellon in January 2023. He played an important role in the club’s promotion campaign during the 2023-24 season, finishing as the leading scorer in his group with 16 goals.
His performances earned him a move to Tenerife in July 2025, where he signed a three-year contract and took on the No. 9 shirt.
The striker had continued his career with the Canary Islands club in the Spanish second tier before Monday’s match ended in tragedy.
Owono, meanwhile, is a 25-year-old goalkeeper born in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, who represents both FC Andorra and the Equatorial Guinea national team. He previously developed through the youth systems of Real Sociedad and Alaves before making his senior breakthrough in Spanish football.
The abandoned fixture will be subject to a decision by competition authorities, but its result has been overshadowed by the death of De Miguel.
Fenerbahçe face a difficult test when they host Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with the Turkish side desperate for their first victory in the competition and interim manager Dirk Kuyt preparing to take on his former club.
The Matchday 4 encounter will kick off at 8:45 p.m. local time at Chobani Stadium in Istanbul.
Fenerbahçe enter the contest under pressure after a disappointing start to their European campaign, collecting just two points from their opening three matches. They have drawn 1-1 with Roma and 2-2 with Slavia Prague, with a heavy 6-0 defeat away to Aston Villa separating the two results.
The draw against Slavia was particularly frustrating for the Yellow Canaries, who surrendered a two-goal advantage at home. Their domestic form has also deteriorated, with consecutive defeats against Galatasaray and Göztepe adding to the pressure ahead of Liverpool’s visit.
Fenerbahçe currently sit 31st in the 36-team league phase standings and need a positive result to revive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive in Istanbul with a perfect Champions League record, having won all three of their opening matches to collect nine points and move into third place.
The English side defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 before recording a 6-3 victory over LASK and edging Villarreal 4-3 in an entertaining encounter. Their 12 goals make them one of the competition’s most productive attacking sides after three rounds.
Wednesday’s match will also mark the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Kuyt’s emotional reunion
Much of the attention will center on Fenerbahçe interim manager Dirk Kuyt, who will face the club where he established himself as a popular figure in English football.
The former Netherlands international spent six years at Liverpool between 2006 and 2012, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances before joining Fenerbahçe in 2012.
Kuyt was appointed interim manager on Oct. 28 following İsmail Kartal’s resignation after Fenerbahçe’s 2-1 derby defeat to Galatasaray. He took charge of his first match against Göztepe, but suffered another 2-1 defeat, leaving him searching for his first victory in the dugout.
His immediate task is to restore confidence in a side that has struggled defensively, particularly in Europe, while finding a way to contain Liverpool’s attacking threat.
The Dutchman will also be looking to use Fenerbahçe’s home advantage to end the club’s prolonged Champions League drought.
Fenerbahçe’s European winless run
Fenerbahçe have gone nine consecutive matches without a victory in the Champions League’s main competition, their longest such run in the club’s history.
Their last win came on April 2, 2008, when they defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the quarterfinal first leg during a memorable European campaign under Brazilian coach Arthur Zico.
Since then, the Turkish side have recorded three draws and six defeats in the competition’s group and league phases.
Their return to the Champions League league phase this season marks their seventh appearance in the tournament, having previously competed in 1996-97, 2001-02, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2008-09.
The 2007-08 campaign remains their most successful, with Fenerbahçe reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Chelsea 3-2 on aggregate.
Wednesday’s encounter will be their 44th Champions League match. In their previous 43 appearances, they have recorded 11 wins, eight draws and 24 defeats, scoring 45 goals and conceding 79.
Fenerbahçe’s European milestone
The Liverpool fixture will also mark Fenerbahçe’s 310th appearance in European competitions.
The Istanbul club have won 122 of their previous 309 matches, drawn 69 and lost 118. They have scored 420 goals and conceded 435.
Their record against English opposition has been considerably more challenging, with the Liverpool encounter adding another chapter to a long-running European rivalry between Turkish and English clubs.
Fenerbahçe have previously faced Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United in European competitions.
Their home record against English visitors in UEFA competitions stands at four wins, two draws and six defeats, according to UEFA.
Liverpool seek response
Despite their impressive European performances, Liverpool arrive in Istanbul looking to recover from a disappointing Premier League defeat.
Andoni Iraola’s side had built momentum with five consecutive victories across all competitions following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Oct. 11.
That run included a 2-0 league victory over Brighton and a penalty shootout success against Chelsea in the EFL Cup, alongside their Champions League wins against LASK and Villarreal.
However, Arsenal ended their winning streak on Sunday, securing a 1-0 victory at Anfield through Kai Havertz’s goal.
The defeat exposed some of Liverpool’s difficulties against well-organized opposition and offered a reminder that their attacking strength does not always translate into domestic dominance.
Liverpool have collected 15 points from nine Premier League matches, with four wins, three draws and two defeats, leaving them fifth in the standings.
Their European performances, however, have been considerably more convincing. With nine points already secured, another victory in Istanbul would strengthen their position among the leading eight teams and put them in a strong position to qualify directly for the round of 16.
Defensive concerns for Fenerbahçe
Fenerbahçe face the possibility of being without several important players, particularly in defence.
Nathan Ake and Marco Asensio are among the confirmed absentees, while Kojo Peprah Oppong’s availability remains uncertain after the young defender suffered an injury against Göztepe.
Oppong’s situation is particularly concerning for Kuyt because his absence would further restrict the team’s central defensive options.
Milan Skriniar and Yiğit Efe Demir could therefore be required to shoulder much of the defensive responsibility if the Ghanaian defender fails to recover in time.
Liverpool also have injury concerns, with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong unavailable. Forward Hugo Ekitike is also working towards a return from an Achilles injury.
Despite those absences, Liverpool retain considerable attacking quality, with Alexis Mac Allister and Bradley Barcola having scored three Champions League goals each this season.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula One history Sunday at age 20 after securing the title with a third-place finish in the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The first Italian champion since 1953 sobbed with joy over the team radio as he took the checkered flag at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with his overall lead now an unassailable 119 points.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who started on pole position, finished a close second after clashing with teammate Charles Leclerc. The dramatic afternoon featured two safety cars, multiple crashes and an agonizing 33-minute halt that lasted until 25 of the 71 laps remained.
“Get in there, Kimi. Champion of the world,” said his race engineer Peter Bonnington, a frequent target of Antonelli’s practical jokes.
“We did it, thank you so much,” gasped Antonelli. His parents and sister embraced him when he exited the car, where his pit crew mobbed him.
The previous youngest champion was Germany’s Sebastian Vettel, who claimed his first of four Red Bull titles in 2010 at age 23 years, 134 days old.
“I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened,” Antonelli told the crowd. “It’s been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton is truly incredible. And I’m looking forward to more battles in the future.”
“I felt more tense this weekend, but I’m so happy that we got it done, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season,” he added. He wrapped an Italian flag around his shoulders on the podium and sprayed champagne with abandon.
The last Italian champion, Alberto Ascari, won in 1953.
“On the last lap, I just backed off because I just couldn’t see the track. I was getting emotional,” Antonelli told a later news conference. “It was just good to bring it home.”
Leclerc finished fourth, McLaren’s outgoing champion Lando Norris finished fifth and Antonelli’s teammate George Russell was sixth in a race he needed to win to remain in contention.
Verstappen 2nd overall
Verstappen moved to second in the overall standings, with Hamilton third and preseason favorite Russell dropping to fourth, 130 points behind Antonelli.
Mercedes led the constructors’ standings with 630 points to Ferrari’s 504 and could clinch the title next weekend in Brazil.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was seventh at the finish but then received a 10-second penalty for causing a collision, dropping him to 15th.
The penalty initially promoted Franco Colapinto to seventh and his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly to ninth. However, both later lost their points after receiving 10-second penalties for speeding under yellow flags.
Post-race penalties elevated Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson to seventh, Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto to eighth, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar to ninth, and gave Ryo Hirakawa a point in 10th on his Haas debut.
Race officials stopped the 71-lap race on Lap 46, following a brief safety car deployment, after Valtteri Bottas’ Cadillac suffered a high-speed front-left suspension failure and pitched uncontrollably into the Turn 1 barriers.
Bottas received medical attention in his car before walking to an ambulance, giving a thumbs-up as the rest of the field returned to the pits. He was treated and released from the medical center.
Verstappen led the restart, with Hamilton challenging and Antonelli passing Leclerc. Another safety car period ensued when Luke Lindblad and Piastri collided, allowing the field to race again with nine laps remaining.
The four-time champion, cleared of a false start, claimed his 74th career win – his sixth in Mexico – by 0.799 seconds, with Antonelli finishing four seconds behind.
Hamilton started from pole position – his 105th career pole and first for Ferrari in a full grand prix – with Leclerc slotting into third on the grid.
Hamilton held him off as they went side-by-side through the opening corners, but Leclerc cut Turn 4 and crossed the grass while battling for the lead. Verstappen then took second from Hamilton as the Ferrari driver went wide.
“My own teammate pushed me out,” Hamilton said over the radio.
Stewards gave Leclerc a 5-second penalty, which did little for Hamilton, who remained behind his teammate after their respective stops on Laps 28 and 29 as the Monegasque served his penalty.
“The problem with the 5-second penalty is he has clean air and doesn’t have to manage like the rest of us. He should give the positions back,” said the seven-time world champion.
Stewards said neither car would have made the corner on track at that speed.
Russell, who started on the front row, had a poor start and dropped to fifth. He also collided with Hadjar, punting the Red Bull driver off, and stewards gave him a 10-second penalty.
Hadjar pitted for new tires when a virtual safety car was deployed on Lap 7 after Lance Stroll stopped his Aston Martin on track.
Galatasaray will look to extend their four-game winning streak across all competitions and strengthen their Champions League position when they host unbeaten Stuttgart Tuesday, with Victor Osimhen’s scoring form driving their recovery from a difficult European start.
The first UEFA meeting between the clubs brings together teams whose European campaigns have followed different paths. Galatasaray are rebuilding after two heavy defeats, while Stuttgart arrive with two victories and a draw from their opening three matches.
Okan Buruk’s players lost 3-1 to Sporting and 4-1 to Barcelona before reviving their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Lille. That result lifted the Turkish champions to 23rd in the standings with three points, while Stuttgart sit sixth with seven.
With the league phase approaching its halfway point, another victory would give Galatasaray a stronger footing in the race for the knockout rounds.
The Top 8 teams advance directly to the round of 16, while those finishing ninth through 24th enter the knockout playoffs. Teams placed 25th through 36th are eliminated, leaving Galatasaray with little room to relax despite their improvement against Lille.
Four straight wins
Galatasaray have responded to their Barcelona defeat with four consecutive wins across all competitions, combining improved results with a productive attack.
They beat Gençlerbirliği 1-0 before overcoming Lille 4-2, defeating Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe 2-1 and dispatching Konyaspor 4-0.
Those results have produced 11 goals while Galatasaray have conceded three, giving Buruk’s players momentum before another demanding European assignment.
The victory over Lille was particularly important after Galatasaray conceded seven goals in their opening two Champions League matches. They now face opponents who have allowed only two in the competition.
Stuttgart share the lowest goals-conceded total after three matches with Arsenal and PSV, presenting a test of whether Galatasaray can sustain their recent attacking output against one of the league phase’s most effective defenses.
Osimhen leads attack
Osimhen has been central to Galatasaray’s success, scoring 10 goals in 10 competitive appearances this season.
The Nigeria striker has played eight Süper Lig matches and two Champions League games, recording nine goals domestically and one in Europe.
His return amounts to a goal per appearance, making him a key threat as Galatasaray seek a second consecutive European victory.
Aleksey Batrakov, meanwhile, has also become increasingly influential for the Lions.
The 21-year-old Russian has scored three goals in his last five competitive appearances, earning supporters’ approval for his passing accuracy and ability to direct the attack as well as his finishing.
His recent contributions have given Galatasaray another scoring option alongside Osimhen, whose movement and finishing will be tested by Stuttgart’s European defensive record.
Buruk also has experienced players familiar with German opposition in İlkay Gündoğan and Leroy Sane.
Gündoğan faced Stuttgart seven times while playing for Nuremberg and Borussia Dortmund, appearing in six Bundesliga matches and one German Cup game. His teams recorded five wins and two draws, with the 36-year-old scoring once.
Sane, 30, played against Stuttgart 14 times in the Bundesliga during his spells with Schalke and Bayern Munich. His teams won 10 of those matches, drew two and lost two, while he scored once.
No injury concerns for hosts
Galatasaray have no injured or suspended players heading into Tuesday’s match, giving Buruk access to his full eligible squad.
Five players remain unavailable because they were not included in the squad submitted to UEFA: Kaan Ayhan, Kazımcan Karataş, Arda Ünyay, Eyüp Aydın and Can Armando Güner.
Stuttgart, by contrast, have several significant injury absences.
German midfielder Angelo Stiller, Slovak winger Leo Sauer and German defender Josha Vagnoman will miss the match, restricting coach Sebastian Hoeness’ options as his players attempt to maintain their unbeaten European start.
Stiller’s absence removes an important midfield option, while Vagnoman’s injury reduces Stuttgart’s defensive choices against an attack that has scored four goals in two of its last three matches.
Contrasting campaigns
Stuttgart have been more consistent in Europe than in the Bundesliga.
They opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Norway’s Viking before beating Slovakia’s Slovan Bratislava 3-0. A 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid followed, leaving them unbeaten through three rounds.
Their domestic record has been less convincing.
Stuttgart finished the Bundesliga’s eighth round in 11th place with nine points, having recorded three wins and five losses. They scored 14 goals and conceded 15 during those eight matches.
Their latest result, however, was an encouraging 4-2 victory at Bayer Leverkusen, providing an attacking boost before the trip to Istanbul.
Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Ermedin Demirovic poses a particular threat to Galatasaray.
He has scored four goals in the opening three Champions League matches, sharing the competition lead with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, Sporting’s Luis Suarez and Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi.
His scoring record gives Stuttgart a threat to match their defensive efficiency, while Galatasaray must show they can contain a productive European attack after conceding nine goals in three league-phase matches.
For the hosts, Tuesday offers an opportunity to turn their recent revival into a more secure position in the standings. For Stuttgart, victory would preserve their unbeaten record and strengthen their pursuit of direct qualification for the round of 16.
The match, to be officiated by English referee Chris Kavanagh, will kickoff at 8:45 p.m. Istanbul local time.
The seventh Presidential International Yacht Races concluded in Istanbul with a spectacular finale on the Bosporus Sunday, as more than 650 sailors competed in the Republic Cup during Türkiye’s 103rd Republic Day celebrations before the season’s top-performing teams were honored at a ceremony at Fişekhane.
The four-day Republic Cup, held from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, brought the season to a close with a demanding contest on the Bosporus.
Starting in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, the race offered striking views of Istanbul as competitors battled rainy weather, strong currents and challenging sailing conditions.
Sailors from Türkiye and abroad had competed throughout the season in several major events, including the Çanakkale and Coast Guard stages, the May 19 Liberation Cup, the Aug. 30 Victory Cup and the Republic Cup.
After points from the various stages were combined, the leading teams received their awards at the closing ceremony, with ENKA emerging as the overall champion.
The championship was organized by the Istanbul Offshore Yacht Racing Club under the auspices of the Turkish presidency, with support from the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry, in cooperation with the Istanbul Governorship and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.
Season-ending ceremony
The awards ceremony at Fişekhane brought together senior government and military officials, representatives of the business and sports communities, and prominent figures from Türkiye’s maritime and sailing sectors.
Among those attending were Istanbul Deputy Gov. Mustafa Asım Alkan, Northern Naval Area Commander Vice Adm. Ramazan Özoğul, Naval Academy Commander Rear Adm. Erhan Gezginci, Çanakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Site President Ismail Kaşdemir and Turkish Sailing Federation President Özlem Akdurak.
Opening the ceremony, Ekrem Yemlihaoğlu, chairman of the Presidential International Yacht Races Organizing Committee, said the competition had completed its seventh year while maintaining the enthusiasm that had defined the event since its launch.
He said the races had provided a platform for sporting competition, friendship and memorable experiences at sea, while thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, government ministries and local authorities for their support.
Yemlihaoğlu also announced plans for the 2027 season, which will feature several established competitions and a new event.
The calendar will open with the National Sovereignty Cup on April 23, followed by the Atatürk and Youth and Sports Cup on May 19. The inaugural Conquest Cup is scheduled for May 29, while the Anafartalar Cup will also feature in the program.
The Neon Sailing Cup is planned for Aug. 28, alongside the Victory Cup later that month. The Oct. 29 competition will continue under the Republic Cup title. Organizers are also considering introducing a Cyprus Cup for the following season, depending on preparations.
Progress in Turkish sailing
Turkish Sailing Federation President Özlem Akdurak said the championship had strengthened its position through growing participation, an increase in the number of yachts and greater international involvement.
She praised Turkish sailors for their performances at European and world competitions, highlighting the achievements of younger athletes as evidence of the sport’s growing potential.
Akdurak particularly pointed to an achievement in which three Turkish female sailors shared the European podium, taking first, second and third place.
She said their success offered encouragement for the future of Turkish sailing and reflected the progress being made by athletes competing internationally.
Kaşdemir emphasized the historical connection between the championship and Çanakkale, describing the city as a defining location in Türkiye’s independence struggle.
He said the event brought sporting competition together with the country’s historical heritage, adding that preserving the spirit of Çanakkale and passing it on to future generations remained a shared responsibility.
ENKA claims overall gold
ENKA secured the season’s overall title after competing across all stages aboard Cheese IV under skipper Levent Peynirci.
Unilever Sailing Team, led by Engin Özgen, finished second in the overall ORC 0 standings, while TSK Spor Gücü-DHO Ariva, skippered by Murat Yavuzcan, took third.
The championship also recognized leading teams across the ORC 1, ORC 2, ORC 3 and ORC 4 divisions, as well as Sports Boats, Cruiser Class and International categories.
In the Republic Cup, ENKA repeated its success in ORC 0, with Unilever Sailing Team finishing second and Kafkas Kestane Şekeri Hero Sailing taking third.
The final competition also featured a broad range of classifications, including women’s sailing teams, university crews and support categories, reflecting the championship’s reach across different levels of the sport.
The winning teams and top-performing sailors received their awards during the ceremony. Members of overall champions ENKA were also presented with watches by Jacques Philippe.
Kenya’s Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba broke a seven-year course record to win the 48th Istanbul Marathon Sunday, while Ethiopia’s Kasanesh Ayenew Baze led a sweep of the women’s podium in a race linking Asia and Europe.
Kipchumba completed the 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) course in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 44 seconds, taking exactly a minute off the previous record set by fellow Kenyan Daniel Kibet in 2019.
Ethiopia’s Sufaro Woliyi Kebeto finished second, followed by Kenya’s Vincent Kipyegon Ronoh in third.
Kipchumba said a late push helped him secure victory on his second racing visit to Istanbul.
“First, I want to thank Istanbul and the organizers. I was the fastest, and I am thankful for that. I pushed myself in the final section and finished first,” he said.
“This is my second time in Istanbul. My first race was in 2020, I think; it was a half-marathon. I must have finished in 62 or 64 minutes then. Now I have finished first,” he added.
Organized by Spor Istanbul, a subsidiary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the marathon started 250 meters (820 feet) behind the July 15 Martyrs Bridge on the city’s Asian side. Runners crossed the Bosporus into Europe before finishing at Sultanahmet Square.
Known as the world’s only intercontinental marathon, the event traces its origins to the inaugural Asia-Europe Run on April 1, 1979. It later became the Intercontinental Eurasia Marathon before adopting the Istanbul Marathon name in 2013.
Ethiopian women take Top 3
Baze won the women’s race in 2:24.40, finishing seven seconds ahead of compatriot Azmera Abreha Gdey. Diribe Hirko Alemu completed the Ethiopian sweep in 2:25.00.
The first three women finished within 20 seconds of one another, with Baze securing victory in what she said was only her fifth marathon.
“I am very happy to have won; I feel very good. This is my fifth marathon, but I am very glad I won despite it being a difficult marathon,” Baze said.
“God willing, my goal is to represent my country at the Olympics and become a record-holder. I am very happy and proud to be here. I thank the organizers for having me here,” she added.
Her Olympic ambitions were echoed by Türkiye’s leading finisher, Hüseyin Can, whose hopes of challenging for an overall podium place were frustrated by the pace and weather conditions.
Can leads Turkish runners
Can finished 11th in the elite men’s race in 2:17.53, narrowly missing another Top-10 finish after placing among the first 10 last year.
Mert Girmalegesse followed in 12th in 2:18.47 while Halil Yaşın placed 14th in 2:19.31, ahead of Ahmet Alkanoğlu, who finished 15th in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 38 seconds.
Yavuz Ağralı completed the race in 16th place in 2:21.44.
Can said competing in Istanbul carried particular significance for him, pointing to his sustained success among Turkish runners at the event.
“I thank all the athletes and spectators. I hope we gave them a good race to watch. Running here has a special significance for me,” Can said. “Except for 2022, I have been the Turkish champion here for the past five or six years, since 2019.”
“To be honest, I came here aiming for the top three this year. Unfortunately, I had to slow down because of the fast pace and the weather conditions. We are continuing to pursue our goals. Our goal is the Olympics. God willing, I believe we will achieve even better things.”
Growing field, Turkish ambitions
Turkish Athletics Federation President Ahmet Karadağ said participation had surpassed 8,400 for the first time, compared with 5,900 last year.
He highlighted the event’s role in promoting Istanbul internationally and said the presence of foreign diplomats at the start reflected its growing appeal.
“It is the only event in the world connecting two continents. It was a very big event. For the first time, participation exceeded 8,400. Last year, it was 5,900,” Karadağ said.
“Major events like this are very valuable for promoting the city. There were many foreign diplomats at the start today; we have begun attracting them, too. We are doing everything we can to make this race better.”
Karadağ also credited work carried out under Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with helping the marathon develop.
“There were efforts we undertook under the leadership of our esteemed president to bring the marathon to this level,” he said.
“This has become a course everyone is familiar with and a record was broken today. Our Turkish athletes did not run badly either, but my dream is for a Turkish athlete to become champion here. God willing, we will achieve that in time.”
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will continue to be held every two years after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed its controversial decision to move the tournament to a four-year cycle, citing the financial and developmental interests of African football.
CAF’s Executive Committee Thursday unanimously approved the return to the traditional biennial format, less than a year after announcing plans to reduce the tournament’s frequency and introduce a new continental competition to fill the gap.
AFCON has traditionally been staged every two years, but CAF announced in December 2025 that it would move to a four-year cycle, with the proposed CAF Nations League taking its place as the continent’s biennial national team competition.
The decision drew an unfavorable response, particularly among stakeholders concerned about the tournament’s importance to African football and the financial implications of replacing one of the continent’s most valuable sporting properties.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe had already indicated that the governing body was reconsidering the arrangement during its strategy conference in Cape Verde earlier this month, where he signaled that the Executive Committee would review the proposed changes.
The financial sustainability of African football emerged as a central consideration in the reversal. CAF acknowledged that the proposed Nations League would take several years to generate sufficient revenue to support the development of football across the continent and provide the financial resources needed by its 54 member associations.
AFCON remains one of the confederation’s most important commercial assets, generating substantial income through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and other commercial partnerships. Replacing it with a new competition would therefore have created uncertainty over revenue during the years required for the Nations League to establish itself.
Motsepe said restoring the two-year cycle was intended to protect the interests of African football and its member associations, as well as players representing clubs outside the continent.
“The decision by the CAF Executive Committee to reinstate the organization of the AFCON every two years aims to advance, protect and promote the interests of African football and the 54 CAF Member Associations, as well as those of African players playing for clubs outside the continent,” Motsepe said.
The decision also preserves a regular platform for African national teams to compete for continental honors, while ensuring that member associations continue to benefit from the tournament’s commercial opportunities.
Under the revised schedule, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 edition, marking a significant moment for East African football. The three countries will be followed by tournaments in 2028, 2031 and 2033.
There will be no AFCON in 2030, as CAF will maintain its practice of avoiding a tournament in a FIFA World Cup year.
The return to a biennial schedule also means African players based in Europe and other overseas leagues will continue to face the scheduling challenges associated with AFCON.
The tournament has frequently coincided with the European domestic season, forcing clubs to release players during important stages of their campaigns. The proposed four-year cycle had offered a potential way to reduce those disruptions, but CAF’s latest decision places greater emphasis on the financial stability of African football and the interests of its member associations.
The proposed Nations League, meanwhile, remains part of CAF’s longer-term plans rather than an immediate replacement for AFCON.
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